Dominion KX II - CIM Guide v.8 - Raritan

Dominion ® KX & KX II CIM Guide Version 8
This document provides a guide for Computer Interface Module (CIM) usage for Dominion KX I and KX
II, with answers to frequently asked questions. This guide has been updated for KX II Release 2.3.
• Dominion KX II CIM Compatibility
Dominion KX II was designed to use multiple types of CIMs, including:
• The Dominion KX I CIMs (DCIMs): DCIM-PS2, DCIM-USBG2, DCIM-USB, DCIM-SUSB and
DCIM-SUN can be used with KX I and KX II switches.
• The new Dominion KX II CIMs (D2CIMs): D2CIM-DVUSB, D2CIM-VUSB and D2CIM-PWR
can only be used with KX II switches, not with KX I switches. These CIMs have a blue case.
• Select Paragon and Paragon II CIMs: the specific supported Paragon CIMs are listed below.
Dominion KX I
Dominion KX I CIMs • DCIM-PS2
• DCIM-USBG2*
• DCIM-USB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUSB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUN
Dominion KX II CIMs
Dominion KX II
• DCIM-PS2
• DCIM-USBG2
• DCIM-USB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUSB (EOL)
• DCIM-SUN
• D2CIM-VUSB
• D2CIM-PWR
D2CIM-DVUSB
• D2CIM-DVUSB
Paragon I CIMs • UKVMPD
• UUSBPD
• USKVMPD
• USKVMC
• UKVMC
Paragon II CIMs
• P2CIM-PS2
• P2CIM-PS2DUAL
• P2CIM-USB
• P2CIM-USBG2
• P2CIM-AUSB
• P2CIM-SUSB
• P2CIM-SUN
• P2CIM-PWR
• UKVMPD
• UUSBPD
• UKVMC
• USKVMPD
• P2CIM-AUSB
• P2CIM-PS2
• P2CIM-USB
• P2CIM-SUSB
• P2CIM-SUN
• P2CIM-SER
• P2CIM-SER-EU
• P2CIM-APS2DUAL
• P2CIM-AUSBDUAL
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• Virtual Media and Absolute Mouse Synchronization
Dominion KX II and a Virtual Media CIM is required.
A Dominion KX II virtual media CIM is required for the virtual media and Absolute Mouse
Synchronization features.
There are two virtual media CIMs: the D2CIM-VUSB and the D2CIM-DVUSB. The D2CIM-DVUSB
has dual USB connectors and should be purchased by customers who wish to utilize virtual media at
the BIOS level and/or Smart Cards, including the US Government’s Common Access Cards
(CAC). The D2CIM-VUSB has a single USB connector and is for customers who will use virtual
media at the OS level.
Both support virtual media sessions to target servers supporting the USB 2.0 interface. These CIMs
support Absolute Mouse Synchronization as well as remote firmware update.
The D2CIM-DVUSB and D2CIM-VUSB can not be used with Dominion KX I switches, so virtual media
and absolute mouse synchronization are not be available for KX I switches.
Dual Virtual Media USB CIM (D2CIM-DVUSB)
The D2CIM-DVUSB has dual USB connectors and should be purchased by customers who wish to
utilize virtual media at the BIOS level, plan to use Smart Cards, or want to set up tiered
configurations.
Advanced KVM features such as virtual media rely on the power of the USB protocol. But some BIOS
do not support the USB specification well enough for these advanced features. We have seen a large
diversity of BIOS with various limitations and deviations from the USB specification.
The D2CIM-DVUSB has two USB plugs, one for keyboard/mouse and one for virtual media. This
enables many additional server BIOS to access virtual media drives.
The black connector on the DVUSB CIM is used for keyboard and mouse. The gray connector is used
for virtual media. Keep both plugs of the CIM connected to the device at all times. The device may
not operate properly if both plugs are not connected to the target server.
New USB Profile Feature (Release 2.0.10)
In addition, Raritan has developed the USB Profile feature for Dominion KX II Release 2.0.10. A USB
Profile customizes the KX II’s USB interface with the target server for a particular BIOS or OS USB
implementation. See the Dominion KX II Release 2.0.10 documentation for more information.
Varying Server Support for Virtual Media
Not all servers and operating systems support all virtual media options:
• In general, modern Windows® OS’ do, including Windows Vista, 2003 Server, XP and
Windows 2000 with the latest patches.
• Target Servers running Linux and Mac OS’, when accessed from a Windows client, will
generally mount CD/DVD drives, USB drives and ISO images.
• Mac®, Linux and Solaris clients can only mount ISO images from a local or remote drive.
• Other UNIX based OS’ generally do not support virtual media.
Dual Virtual Media CIM (D2CIM-DVUSB) Bulk Pricing
Packages of 32 and 64 D2CIM-DVUSB CIMs provide a discount for buying in volume. The U.S. list
price for a single D2CIM-VUSB is $155, but is $145 per CIM when purchased in a pack of 32, and $135
per CIM for a pack of 64.
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Virtual Media CIM (D2CIM-VUSB) Bulk Pricing
Packages of 32 and 64 D2CIM-VUSB CIMs provide a discount for buying in volume. The U.S. list price
for a single D2CIM-VUSB is $135, but is $125 per CIM when purchased in a pack of 32, and $120 per
CIM for a pack of 64.
Customers who do not want virtual media and absolute mouse synchronization should use the DCIM-
USBG2, which is less expensive at $99 U.S. list price.
Not all servers support Absolute Mouse Synchronization
Again, a USB server port is required, and the OS must support this technology. Microsoft Windows
and Mac servers support this, but not UNIX, SUN and Linux.
• Power CIMs for KX I and KX II
For KX I switches, use the existing P2CIM-PWR CIM for both the existing RPC power strips and the
new Dominion PX power strips
For KX II switches, use the new D2CIM-PWR CIM for both the existing RPC power strips and the
new Dominion PX power strips.
RPC (Existing)
Dominion PX (New)
Dominion KX I
P2CIM-PWR
Dominion KX II
D2CIM-PWR
• DCIM-USBG2 Replaces the DCIM-USB and DCIM-SUSB
The DCIM-USBG2 replaces the DCIM-USB and DCIM-SUSB CIMs, which are now end-of-life. The
Paragon II equivalent is the P2CIM-AUSB. The information below also applies to this CIM, which can
be used with the Dominion KX II.
The DCIM-USBG2 is the second generation version of these CIMs, with enhanced reliability and
performance. The DCIM-USBG2 supports both USB and SUN USB. A small switch on the unit
determines USB or SUN USB. For Windows targets, the “P” setting should be used. For Sun targets,
the “S” setting should be used. For other OS’, start with the “P” position. If the keyboard and/or
mouse do not operate correctly, switch to the “S” position.
Important Note: You must power cycle the CIM if you change the switch setting while the CIM is
connected to the target server.
Steps to power cycle the CIM:
1. Remove the USB connector from the target server. The video connector can remain in place.
2. Wait 5 seconds.
3. Reconnect the USB connector.
You can configure the CIM using a setup menu for various operating modes, such as keyboard and
mouse types and keyboard language. See the appendix at the end of this document for more
information.
The DCIM-USBG2 can be used for both KX I and KX II. It is a low cost CIM – US list price of $99 - but
lacks the virtual media, absolute mouse, smart card, and tiering features of the D2CIM-DVUSB..
• Dominion KX II Recommended USB CIM Usage
For Dominion KX II, the recommended usage depends on the features desired and the type of server
and is as follows:
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Customer Needs
• Advanced features: virtual
media, absolute mouse
synchronization
• Windows, Linux and Mac
servers
• BIOS use of Virtual Media
• Required for Smart
Card/CAC use
• Required for KX II to KX II
Tiering.
• Can be used for generic
hot-key based tiering.
• Advanced features: virtual
media, absolute mouse
synchronization
• Windows, Linux and Mac
servers
• OS use of Virtual Media
• Can be used for generic
hot-key based tiering.
• SUN USB Servers
• Unix Servers
• Basic CIM features
• USB Servers
CIM to Use
D2CIM-DVUSB
D2CIM-VUSB
DCIM-USBG2
DCIM-USBG2
• Dominion KX I DCIM-USBG2 Usage
For Dominion KX I, the recommended usage depends on the firmware release as follows:
Dominion KX I
Release
KX 1.3, KX 1.4, KX 1.4.x
KX 1.0.x, KX 1.1 and KX 1.2
CIM to Use
DCIM-USBG2 for USB and
SUN USB Servers
DCIM-USB
DCIM-SUSB (Sun USB)
So most KX I customers should purchase the DCIM-USBG2, unless they are running a very old
firmware release. Of course, customers can upgrade free of charge to new firmware and use the
DCIM-USBG2 for increased reliability.
• Connect to Serial Devices with P2CIM-SER and Dominion KX II
The P2CIM-SER (and P2CIM-SER-EU for European market) can be used to connect a serial device
(networking device, headless server) to a Dominion KX II, Paragon II or Dominion KX.
The P2CIM-SER converts serial device input to a standard KVM signal for use with Paragon II and
Dominion KX I and KX II. The US List Price is $149. The CIM is powered via USB from the serial
device or the PWR-SER-4 four port power adapter.
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• CIM Usage for Blade Servers
Release 2.1 and above supports access, control and management for Dell, HP and IBM Blade Servers.
The type of CIM to be used for KVM access depends on the KVM ports on the blade chassis or blade
server the CIM is connected to, and whether advanced features such as virtual media and absolute
mouse synchronization are wanted and supported by the blade server.
CIMs are connected to blade servers in two ways: (1) connect CIMs to each individual blade server or
(2) connect a CIM to the blade server chassis’ internal KVM switch or management module. The
following table describes the supported methods:
Blade Chassis
CIM to
Chassis
CIM to
Blade
Dell 1855 & 1955
Dell M1000e
HP c7000
HP c3000
IBM S, H, E & HT
IBM T
Generic
In general, most blade servers have USB ports, but certain older blade servers have PS2 ports. The
following CIMs are used with blade servers:
• DCIM-PS2 –PS2 ports
• DCIM-USBG2 –USB ports, no virtual media
• D2CIM-VUSB – USB, virtual media (if blade server supports it)
• D2CIM-DVUSB – USB, BIOS virtual media (if blade server supports it)
The supported and recommended CIMS for the different types of blade servers is as follows:
Blade
Chassis
Dell 1855
Dell1955
Dell
M1000e
HP c3000
HP c7000
IBM H
IBM E
IBM S
IBM HT
DCIM-PS2 DCIM-USBG2 D2CIM-VUSB D2CIM-DVUSB
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
IBM T
Generic
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
(connected to blade)
Haven’t tested and
certified these for virtual
media
In the above table, if the check () is accompanied by the phrase “(connected to blade)”, then the
CIM is connected to each individual blade server. Otherwise the CIM connects to the blade chassis’
internal KVM switch or the management module.
When connecting to individual Dell 1855/1995 blades, the “USB Front Dongle for Dell PowerEdge
1855/1955” cable is required; manufacturer part number N8138 and Dell part number 310-6484.
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When connecting to individual HP c3000 and c7000 blades, the “HP c-Class Blade SUV Cable” is used;
part # is 416003-001. Note: the internal KVM module for the HP c3000 is not supported in this
release.
Virtual media and advanced mouse synchronization is supported on blade servers where a CIM is
connected to each blade server, assuming the operating system on the blade supports these features.
Virtual media is also supported on the IBM Blade Center E and H chassis when using the D2CIM-
DVUSB with the gray USB plug connected to the media tray (front panel) and the black plug to the
management module (back panel). The connection to the Media Tray (front panel) will require the use
of an USB extension cable connected to the gray USB plug on the D2CIM-DVUSB. Auto-discovery
must be enabled on the KX II Port Configuration page for virtual media to work.
Please note that the Paragon blade server CIMs (P2CIM-AUSB-B and P2CIM-APS2-B) should not be
used with the Dominion KX II.
See the documentation and release notes for more information on the blade server feature.
• Smart Card and CAC Usage
The Dominion KX II based Smart Card / CAC Solution is available as of Release 2.1.10, available June
30, 2009. The D2CIM-DVUSB is required for Smart Card and US Government Common
Access Card (CAC) use. No other CIM will support a Smart Card connection to a target server.
• Digital Visual Interface (DVI)
Servers with DVI ports that support DVI-A (analog) and DVI-I (integrated analog and digital) can use
a simple adapter to convert the DVI port to a standard VGA plug that can be connected to a KX II
CIM’s VGA plug.
In the summer of 2010, Raritan will be providing such an adapter with the part number of ADVI-VGA.
This adapter can be used with any Raritan CIM which has a VGA plug.
Servers with DVI ports that only support DVI-D (digital) will need a more expensive adapter to
convert the DVI-D’s digital signal to an analog signal.
• Connecting a Dominion KX II to a Paragon II User Station
The DCIM-USBG2 and the DCIM-PS2 should be used to connect the Dominion KX II to a Paragon II
User Station. This configuration is used to provide KVM-over-IP access to the User Station.
• Paragon II Dual CIMS (P2CIM-APS2DUAL & P2CIM-AUSBDUAL)
With Release 2.3 of the Dominion KX II, the Paragon II “Dual CIMs” are supported:
• P2CIM-APS2DUAL – for PS2 ports
• P2CIM-AUSBDUAL – for USB ports
These can connect servers in the data center to two different Dominion KX II switches. If one KX II
switch is not available, the server can be accessed through the second KX II switch.
There are three major reasons to use these CIMs:
1. Redundancy – should one KX II be inaccessible, then the target server can be accessed
through the other KX II. KX II’s could be inaccessible if (a) the KX II is not operational, (b)
the KX II is inaccessible over the network or (c) the KX II is blocked due to too many IP user
sessions.
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2. Higher Level of Remote Access – some customers would like a higher level of remote
access. For example a customer might want 8 simultaneous remote users to access 16
servers. So then the customer can purchase two KX2-416’s, connect each of the 16 servers to
a dual CIM, and each dual CIM to both KX2-416’s.
3. Connect Servers to Paragon II and KX II – in some cases, possibly while migrating from
Paragon to KX II, it may be advantageous to connect a particular server to both KX II and
Paragon II.
Note that since these dual CIMS are Paragon II CIMs, they do not support the advanced Dominion KX
II features such as virtual media, absolute mouse, blade servers, smart cards and tiering. Note that
both switches must be consistently set to PC-Share or Private Mode. Also note that status, availability
and name changes made from one KX II switch is only known by the other KX II switch upon the first,
subsequent connection made by that second switch. Contact the release Notes and User Guide for
more information.
• Tiering (Cascading) Feature in Release 2.3
With Release 2.3 of the Dominion KX II, tiering (also known as cascading) is supported between
Dominion KX II switches. A “Tiered” KX II switch can be connected via the D2CIM-DVUSB to the
“Base” KX II switch. The D2CIM-DVUSB is the only CIM certified for this purpose. In addition, the
“Extended Local Port” of the KX2-832 and KX2-864 can be connected to the “Base” KX II switch.
For the generic hot-key based tiering, the D2CIM-DVUSB or D2CIM-VUSB CIMs can be used.
• Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use the KX I DCIMs with KX II
Yes, you can. But these will not support virtual media and absolute mouse synchronization.
2. Can I use the KX II D2CIMs with KX I
No, the KX I was not designed to use these new CIMs.
3. The server only has PS2 ports, what should I do for KX II
Use the DCIM-PS2. Remember the KX I DCIMs will work with KX II.
4. I would like to use virtual media. What CIM do I need
You need a virtual media CIM, either the D2CIM-DVUSB or D2CIM-VUSB. You also need to
make sure that the target server’s (USB port, OS and BIOS) support Virtual Media. See above.
5. Which virtual media CIM should I purchase
If you plan to use virtual media at the BIOS level or if you plan to use Smart Cards,
then you should purchase the Dual USB CIM – D2CIM-DVUSB. This CIM will support virtual
media in a wider set of BIOS as well as Smart Card / CAC use. If you only plan to use virtual
media at the OS level, then you can use the D2CIM-VUSB.
6. When do I need to use a USB Profile
Two primary uses. First, for Mac and Linux, you should use a USB profile to set the mouse
synchronization mode. Second, when using the D2CIM-VUSB with some servers, you will need
to use a USB Profile when in the BIOS. See the Release 2.0.10 documentation for more info.
7. The customer wants absolute mouse synchronization, but not virtual media. How to
handle this
You can purchase the D2CIM-VUSB, but disable the virtual media permissions via the KX II’s
management user interface.
8. The customer wants virtual media in KX I. Can I connect the D2CIM-VUSB to a KX I
No, the D2CIM-DVUSB and D2CIM-VUSB will only work with KX II. KX I switches can never
support virtual media due to hardware differences.
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9. The D2CIM-VUSB is too expensive. Is there an alternative
You can purchase the D2CIM-VUSB (or D2CIM-DVUSB) in the 32 or 64 piece packages for a
reduced price. Or you can purchase the DCIM-USBG2, which doesn’t have virtual media and
absolute mouse synchronization for $99 U.S. List Price.
10. I want to connect a PX to a Dominion KX II. How do I do this
You should use the D2CIM-PWR to connect a PX (or the existing RPC) to a KX II.
11. I want to connect a PX to a Dominion KX I. How do I do this
You should use the P2CIM-PWR to connect a PX (or the existing RPC) to a KX I.
12. Why did you develop the DCIM-USBG2
The DCIM-USBG2 has a more modern architecture based on the P2CIM-AUSB. It replaces the
DCIM-USB and DCIM-SUSB (via switch on the CIM) and supports more server types. It can be
used with both KX I and KX II.
13. Does the DCIM-USBG2 support virtual media and absolute mouse synch
No, the D2CIM-DVUSB or D2CIM-VUSB is required for these features.
14. What about Mac target servers What CIM should be used
For a Mac target server, we recommend the D2CIM-VUSB and absolute mouse synchronization.
The "MAC OS X (10.4.9 and later)" USB profile should be used when in the OS and the "BIOS
Mac" USB profile when in the Mac BIOS.
15. I have a few serial devices that I want to connect to a KX II. Can I
Yes, the P2CIM-SER can be used to connect serial devices to a KX II.
16. What CIM should I use with a blade server
DCIM-PS2, DCIM-USBG2, D2CIM-VUSB or D2CIM-DVUSB. See the section in this guide for
more information.
17. I plan to use Smart Cards in the future. What CIM should I use
The D2CIM-DVUSB CIM is required for Smart Card or US Government Common Access Card
(CAC) use.
18. Can I use the Paragon II P2CIM-AUSB-C CIM which supports Paragon II Smart Card
use
No, only the D2CIM-DVUSB will support Smart Card and CAC use for the Dominion KX II.
19. What CIM should I use if a server has a DVI port
You can use any CIM, but you will need a DVI to VGA adapter such as Raritan’s ADVI-VGA.
See the DVI section in this guide.
20. Are the Paragon Dual CIMs supported Why would I use these
As of Release 2.3, the Paragon Dual CIMs (P2CIM-APS2DUAL & P2CIM-AUSBDUAL) are
supported. These are used to connect a target server to two different KX II switches to
provide redundant access, to reduce blocking and to increase the overall level of remote
access.
21. What CIM do I use to connect a KX II to IP-enable Paragon II User Station
The DCIM-USBG2 and the DCIM-PS2 should be used.
22. Which CIMs can be used for tiering
The D2CIM-DVUSB (Dual Virtual Media CIM) should be used to connect a “tiered” KX II switch
to the “Base” tier.
23. Which CIMs can be used for the generic hot-key based tiering
The D2CIM-DVUSB or D2CIM-VUSB should be used to connect a generic KVM switch to the KX
II “Base” tier.
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The DCIM-USBG2 Setup Menu
This setup menu allows you to configure the CIM for various settings, such as keyboard and mouse
types and keyboard language. To access the menu, press the Left-CTL and Num Lock keys
simultaneously when a text editor window (in text input mode) has the focus on the target server. All
settings are saved in non-volatile memory so the CIM will “remember” these settings. The setup
menu as shown in Microsoft Windows Notepad is as follows:
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Section 4
The first line identifies the CIM FW and HW versions. The FW version is in hexadecimal.
Section 1 defines the user keyboard language setting. If you are using a German keyboard, for
example, you will enter 09 at the menu prompt (>).
Section 2 defines additional keyboard settings:
• Lazy LED Update. When off, the CIM sends all LED status messages from the target server to
the switch. When on, the CIM sends only status messages that are different from the message
sent previously. Some target servers send the same status continually, possibly overloading
the switch. This option prevents the overload.
• Sun Fire Patch. A new option introduced in firmware 0EF handles the non-standard USB
operation of some Sun Fire target servers. If these servers do not receive a keyboard packet
periodically, they assume the keyboard and mouse are disconnected and do not respond to
further input. When the switch is in the 'S' position, and the feature is enabled (default), the
CIM sends an empty keyboard packet every 500 milliseconds. The feature can be disabled via
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the CIM setup menu. It is safe to leave this feature on, even when not required as the only
side effect will be unnecessary data sent to the target server.
Section 3 defines the mouse type. Standard 3-button wheel mice (m0) and up to 8-button mice and
trackballs (m1) are supported currently. The proper driver for the mouse must be installed on the
target server.
Section 4 displays the current settings.
This setup menu information also applies to the Paragon II P2CIM-AUSB.
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